Manchester United appear to have lost out in the race for Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, with Barcelona agreeing an £88m deal for his signature, reports The Sun.
The French international nearly joined United last summer, but Atleti’s transfer ban meant they couldn’t sign a replacement until January, forcing them to block moves for any first-team players.
Jose Mourinho signed Romelu Lukaku from Everton instead and the Belgian international has impressed in his debut season at Old Trafford, scoring and creating 31 goals in all competitions.
Griezmann was a player United still had on their radar this season, however, so it’s a big blow they look set to miss out on him. Barcelona will be delighted to add such a prolific forward to join Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele.
The 27-year-old has contributed 34 goals in 38 games in all competitions for Atleti this season and is expected to lead the line for France in this summer’s World Cup in Russia. United will now have to turn their attentions elsewhere if they want to bolster their attack at the end of the campaign.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaving to join LA Galaxy last month, Mourinho might need a replacement in the transfer market.
You’re an idiot, this was only an option in the summer transfer window, Utd signed an alternative striker and since signing Sanchez in the last window, we have no space for any more forwards.